DIY Sportsman | Bow Hunting In October

The subject of this podcast is bow hunting through the transitions of October. Deer aren't on their summer patterns, and they aren't moving like they will during the rut. That doesn't mean that they aren't huntable or even killable this time of year. Just take a look at social media. While there aren't as many success photos as you'll see during the rut, there are still an awful lot of deer dropping... even nice bucks. There are plenty of hunters who even prefer early season over the rut when they are after a specific deer.

Food sources are one thing that is undergoing changes. Depending on what location of the country you're in, acorns might still be a key factor. In the upper midwest, the best of the acorn crop is starting to wind down, but that might not be the case further south. In any case, change in food sources is a key aspect of movement to be aware of, because it can be a huge reason as to why deer seen a few weeks ago seem to have disappeared.

Weather over the course of October can vary intensely. In the upper Midwest, you could have temperatures that are either above 70 or below freezing with snow. Weather is hotly debated in deer hunting, especially that "first big cold front of October". Countless hunters wait for that big event before they really start hitting the woods. But what does the science have to say about it? GPS studies have been gathering data that contradicts what hunters have always preached about weather conditions and deer movement.

Most hunters use October as a precursor month with which they use to get some reps in the woods before the real action heats up in the rut. But there's much more to it than that for those who are willing to read the sign and stay on top of transitioning deer patterns.